[Western Music] Official Olympic Theme and Cheer Song
The Olympics, the world’s largest sporting event, has the power to move people’s hearts in any era.
We’re deeply stirred by the sight of athletes who have trained their minds and bodies with incredible discipline for this very day, giving their all on the stage of the present—and their efforts give courage even to those of us who are only watching.
What elevates those emotions even further is the presence of a great theme song.
In this article, we’ve selected renowned international tracks, focusing on official Olympic theme songs while also including commercial tunes from Olympic sponsors and other related songs.
Regardless of genre, we’ll bring you a variety of classics and fan favorites—enjoy!
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[Western Music] Official Olympic Theme and Cheer Songs (31–40)
Georgia on My MindGladys Knight
Georgia on My Mind, performed by Gladys Knight at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Most people probably know the song through Ray Charles’s original version, right? In this rendition, the vocals are even more soulful than the original.
At the same time, the arrangement leans more pop and is less steeped in soul than the original, which helps keep it catchy.
If you’re a fan of Black music, be sure to compare this version with the original.
I BelieveNikki Yanofsky
This was the cheer theme song used by a Canadian TV network during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
The owner of that heartwarming voice is Nikki Yanofsky, a singer from Quebec who, believe it or not, was in high school at the time.
Be sure to watch it together with the footage! Speaking of Quebec, Céline Dion—famous for the Titanic theme—also hails from there.
Is Quebec a birthplace of divas?
One DreamSarah McLachlan
This Sarah McLachlan song was used by an American TV network as a support theme during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
She’s a Canadian singer and a three-time Grammy Award winner.
The Olympics are where athletes keep pushing their limits—it’s a tough battle with oneself.
But it’s not only the athletes who take on such challenges; don’t we all face them in our daily lives? This song tells everyone who’s striving, “You’re not alone.”
Alma e CoraçãoThiaguinho,Projota
This is the official theme song of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
It’s pronounced “Alma e Coração.” The quintessential Rio samba rhythm evokes images of Brazil’s summer and beaches.
It’s performed by samba star Thiaguinho and rapper Projota.
With stars from different genres collaborating, it feels more like a spirited, fighting anthem than a tear-jerking inspirational song typical of the Olympics—very Rio-like.
Centered on the theme of the soul, it’s a perfect match for the passionate spirit of Rio and the Olympic ethos.
100%Mariah Carey
Even in the 2020s, when you think of a “global songstress,” Mariah Carey is still the first name that comes to mind.
In Japan as well, Mariah’s popularity and recognition are overwhelming.
When it comes to her Olympics-related songs, many might recall the historic classic “Hero,” which TBS used as its theme song during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
This time, let me introduce a track released in 2010 called “100%.” It may be less well known compared to “Hero,” but it was released as a promotional single to support Team USA at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and it’s a hidden gem that was not included on any of her studio albums.
It’s an emotional ballad quintessentially Mariah, and the gospel-tinged chorus at the end along with her ultra-high notes are truly breathtaking.
As for what the title “100%” signifies, read the lyrics closely and discover its true meaning!
[Western Music] Official Olympic Theme and Cheer Songs (41–50)
OceaniaBjörk
Oceania is the song Björk wrote specifically for the opening ceremony of the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Since world peace is an eternal theme of the Olympics, she composed the piece from the perspective of the ocean, which has long watched over us humans without change.
That focus is exactly what you’d expect from a genius! Its dreamlike mood gives a sense of unity and just the right amount of tension.
SomedayFlipsyde
This is the song that was used as the theme by NBC in the United States during the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics.
The moody chorus that gives off a slightly uneasy feeling and the husky vocals are memorable.
The group Flipsyde was formed in Oakland, California, and mixes hip-hop, Latin, and various other musical styles.
It’s a track you’ll want to put on repeat.